Marie "Jeanette" Sims Baum

Marie Jeannette Sims Baum, 89, of La Grande, died July 7. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Gekeler Lane. Viewing will be at Loveland Funeral Chapel today from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Jeannette was born Sept. 18, 1919, to Clifford Marlow Sims and Marie Jeannette Hager Sims in Heppner. She attended elementary schools in Medford, Eugene, Portland and Milton-Freewater, graduating from Mac High School in 1937.

She received a degree in business from Oregon State University in 1943. In 1944, she married David Combs Baum Sr. and worked in San Francisco while he fought in WWII. They settled in La Grande in 1947 where David joined his father, Raymond Chester Baum, in his insurance agency. Three children were born of this union, twins Marie and David, and Raymond.

Jeannette served in the community as secretary for the Red Cross and Community Chest for three years each. She held various offices in the Central PTA including president. She was a Brownie leader. She was a 40-year member of Chapter DK, PEO and again served in all the offices. She was a 40-year charter member of the Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary and served as secretary/treasurer for three years.

In 1962, Jeannette and David purchased the August and Priscilla Stange home and lived there for 15 years. They entertained many organizations at receptions and dinners - the State Board of Higher Education for five consecutive years; Associated Oregon Industries; Grande Ronde Symphony; Grande Ronde Hospital Board; the La Grande Industrial Development Committee; and Knife and Fork to name just a few.

In 1976, Jeannette joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She taught classes in Relief Society and served as First Counselor and later as President of the Stake Relief Society from 1984 to 1988. During this time she also worked in the newly constructed Boise Temple for 2 1/2 years.

She loved her 15 grandchildren and took an active part in their lives. She enjoyed scrapbooking, piano playing, reading, cooking, entertaining, traveling and bridge.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Marie Jeannette Baum Rampton and her husband, Dr. Wesley Frederick Rampton, David Combs Baum Jr. and his wife, Anna Witham Baum and Raymond Sims Baum and his wife, Kristine Wyatt Baum; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Marjorie Helen Sims Mims and her husband, Dr. Matlock M. Mims of Pacific Palisades, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Alexander "Zan" William Sims in 1967, sister Florence Sims Otten Davidson in March of this year, husband David in 1977 and her parents earlier.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grande Ronde Hospital, PEO Chapter DK, the Family History Library or the Union County Museum in Union in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande 97850.

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